Newswise — Northern Michigan University researchers teamed up with medical experts at neighboring Marquette General Hospital to create the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center. The joint effort has confirmed that the Zbtb7 gene, thought to act as a master switch for cancer, is present in malignant brain tumors. Research is now focusing on ways to silence Zbtb7. The center also developed a method that combines PET and MRI images for earlier diagnosis of recurrent tumors.
Breakthroughs in the molecular biology and genetics of brain tumors have improved the understanding of how cells turn cancerous. This has opened the door to a number of new treatments that are often more effective and better tolerated than prior options.
In addition to the clinical and basic research in collaboration with NMU, the Upper Peninsula Brain Tumor Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care that combines input from medical oncology, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, palliative care, nursing and social services.
For more information on the collaboration between NMU and MGH on brain tumor research, contact Robert Winn, NMU biology professor, at 227-2340 or [email protected].
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